The Journal of Weavers, Spinner and Dyers
This publication is a delight due to a well thought out clear layout, enhanced by very good photographs. Although the first section of the book initially appears to be aimed at the novice feltmaker, there are many useful hints and tips which remind even an experienced felter of pitfalls and how best to avoid them. The reafer is given extremely straightforward instructions on how to make felt by every concievable method - wet, nuno and dry felting. Clear requirements are given in list format so one could be sure of knowing what is necessary, and the key guidelines highlight points to watch out for. The remainder of the book illustrates how the author has used felt in textile artworks in more practical items and also in wearable garments. The book follows a project approach and the reader benefits from an insight into the design ideas behind the finished collections. The author shares her inspirations and then , using a step-by-step approach, explains exactly how to reproduce the work, but this book seems to go further. It is like having your own personal tutor and following the methodology explained in the bok, i feel confident of achieving similar results. All forms of fabric embellishment are used by the artist and would appeal to any self respecting weaver, spinner or dyer. The text is interspersed with interesting historical snippets which aid the enjoyment of the book as one to curl up with and study
Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts
July 2015
Part of the publisher's The Textile Artist Series, this is another fabulous book. Subtitled 'A practical guide to making beautiful felted artworks' the book does just that. Tactile, sumptuous and textured are the words that spring to mind. Discover what inspires this textile artist. Learn to use felting techniques to create three-dimensional wall hangings. Clear step-by-step instructions are given alongside inspiring images of Val Hughes' art. You'll discover all you need to know to get started. You'll then find five step-by-step projects to show you the techniques and enable you to create your own felted art. The purpose of this book is to show you how to release your own creativity. Val immerses herself in a creative adventure that involves experimenting with materials such as wool tops, knitting wools, organza and much more. She encourages the reader to be adventurous, showing her inspiration for the projects and leading you through them. The book offers advice on materials, inspiration, colour and techniques. This book is useful for any skill level and can be used by people who have never felted before. The first project is a beach scene. It shows you how to nuno felt, embellish and add adventurous threads. It is worked in sections. Val explains how the same method is used to create one of her stunning dresses. Beautifully laid out, and photographed, this book is very inspiring. I can see it becoming a favourite felt book for many.
Machine Knitting Monthly
August 2015
We explore Val Hughes wall hangings, panels, wearable art, bags, jewellery and accessories while she leads us through the history, landscapes and imagination that form her inspiration. Using simple felt techniques, we learn to use our hands to make our own incredible textile artwork. With step-by-step instructions, this is an ideal source of information and ideas for all textile artists
myshelf.com
Here is felt like you have never seen it before and at its most luxuriant, incorporated into pieces of art. If you have ever wanted to have a go at felting then this book looks like a good reason to do it, with the lush photographs of wearable art the author has created.
This is a book replete with the sort of images that make me want to grab the materials and get creating. Balls of soft wool in glorious shades, shimmering silk fibers, the sort of one-of-a-kind garments that are a joy to wear and more tumble out of the book in febrile profusion. I dont do felt making myself due to allergies so I come to the book not knowing about the process however I feel that it would be possible to start from scratch and still make something impressive. Find out what you need to buy and then what can be done with it, including wet felting, needle felting, free machine embroidery and more. You can also discover the inspiration behind the authors creations and work through five staged projects to hone your new skills. Everything in this book is accompanied by a profusion of larger than average photographs so it easy to see what you have to do. Each project is a panel, inspired by a garment made by the author and although I would have rather had instructions for garments after making the panels you have learned enough to tackle a project of your own choosing. Subjects include fairies, the sea, Ann Boleyn, Elizabeth Woodville and Alice in Wonderland complete with shots of the authors sketchbook and a background to the theme and why it was chosen. This gives a good insight into how somebody else works which is always interesting and well done here as it is in connection with such a user friendly primer. A book for the keeper shelf
East Kent Embroiderer's Guild
July 2015
In this latest title in the Textile Artist series, Val introduces us to the ancient art of felt-making. She shows the inspiration behind her majestic and magical three-dimensional wall hangings and wearable art, and invites us to share her colourful passion. Felting techniques are shown in detail and by following the step-by-step instructions projects from Vals collections can be produced. Individual creativity in the form of embellishments is encouraged, to produce unique pieces of work. A truly inspirational book; perfect for those new to the craft but also those more experienced crafters looking for ways to expand their skills. Good value for money.
Workshop on the Web/Quilt WOB
July 2015
This is the latest book in The Textile Artist series, focusing on several different felting techniques including wet felting, Nuno felting and needle felting. The main body of the book is set out according to five collections of work that Val Hughes has worked on and developed over the years. It is an interesting approach, as all have different characteristics in terms of inspiration, colour and construction. The collections - Water, Snow and Ice, Anne Boleyn, Abracadabra, Elizabeth Woodville and Alice in Wonderland - range from flat felted pieces and two dimensional wall hangings to felted gowns. The basic felting techniques remain the same but each collection approaches it in a different way, according to the source inspiration. For example, in the Anne Boleyn collection, the inspiration comes from the Tudor Rose, and this is interpreted in a floral
design using strong black and red colours, echoing the connotations this historical figure evokes. A particular dress Desire worked in red and black is slashed and stitched and reflects the violence of Anne Boleyns imprisonment and final moments. Contrasting with this is the bucolic idyll of the Abracadabra Woodland Berries leafy work in greens and browns with felted tendrils hanging down.Each of the collections features a felted dress and these are the showpieces of the book.
Creating felted pieces on such a grand scale reflects the work that has gone into them and seeing them developed from the initial techniques makes you realise that the skys the limit in terms of what you can do.
Crochet Addict UK
June 2015
If you work with felt and you want to take it to a whole new level then this book is for you! It's packed full of so much to take your felting to a whole new level. The book gives you step by step instructions for everything from wet felting, nuno felting, needle felting & free machine embroidery.
There is so much information packed in the book. I was amazed at the different materials you can use to make different affects. I love her use of colour combinations. The affects she creates are amazing. You can either create the art projects or she made them into garments. Each of them has such a unique look and look amazing. I love the beauty of the projects. The techniques give such a soft and beautiful look. You really do get to learn so much from this book.
http://www.crochetaddictuk.com/2015/06/felt-fibre-art-book-review.html
